Jaipur | Rajshree Upadhyaya | In India, Rahul Vohra, Annanya Agarwal, Amay Thakkar, and Veer Pinto have carved out a niche for themselves by launching The Croffle Guys, a modern dessert-focused company that blends creativity, branding, and strong business execution. What began as a holiday discovery in Thailand eventually became the foundation of a promising food venture.
During their trip, the four friends came across a croffle, a unique dessert that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the crispy texture of a waffle. While the product was still largely unknown in India, the founders immediately recognized its potential among young consumers who are constantly seeking new food experiences. Inspired by this opportunity, they launched The Croffle Guys in 2025, with the goal of introducing the trend to the Indian market.
The founders came from diverse professional backgrounds, which proved advantageous in building the brand from the outset. Rahul Vohra had spent several years in the entertainment industry and had worked with filmmaker Kabir Khan. Veer Pinto was associated with the creative team at Dharma Productions, while Annanya Agarwal and Amay Thakkar brought entrepreneurial and operational expertise to the business.
At the heart of the company were croffles, offered in a variety of sweet and savory flavors. The company also expanded its menu to include coffee-based beverages and complementary café offerings, creating a complete customer experience. Rather than focusing solely on food, The Croffle Guys invested heavily in brand building. Their social media strategy, creative content, and youthful marketing style helped the company attract urban consumers and establish a distinct identity in the highly competitive food and beverage market.
Brand Became Popular Among Dessert Lovers
The first The Croffle Guys outlet opened in Mumbai in May 2025. The positive customer response encouraged the founders to accelerate expansion, and the brand quickly gained popularity among dessert lovers looking for something different from traditional waffles and pastries. The company’s rapid growth was driven not only by the novelty of its product but also by the founders’ ability to generate excitement around the brand through digital platforms.
National recognition came when the founders appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5. Entering the tank with confidence and an energetic pitch, they sought Rs. 1 crore for 1% equity, valuing the company at Rs. 100 crore. Their valuation sparked intense discussion among the sharks; while some questioned the numbers, others praised the strength of the brand and its growth potential.
Following the pitch, the founders secured a deal with Kunal Bahl and Mohit Yadav, who invested Rs. 2.5 crore for 5% equity, bringing the company’s valuation to Rs. 50 crore.
Transforming an International Food Trend into a Recognized Consumer Brand The Shark Tank appearance significantly increased awareness of the business. The episode generated extensive discussion on social media, and the founders reported a noticeable rise in customer interest following the broadcast. While some industry observers debated whether croffles could become a long-term category, many acknowledged that The Croffle Guys had successfully transformed a niche international food trend into a recognizable consumer brand in India.
As of 2026, The Croffle Guys continues to operate and expand its presence. Following its success on Shark Tank, the company has remained active in pursuing growth opportunities and scaling its business. In a remarkably short period, the founders transformed a simple food discovery made during a vacation into a rapidly growing dessert venture.
Their journey demonstrates how identifying an emerging trend, combining it with strong branding, and executing quickly can help build a successful business in India’s competitive food and beverage industry.
